Why You’ll Love One‑Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
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It’s all made in one pan, saving time and dishes.
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The honey BBQ sauce creates a beautiful glaze and slightly charred edges on the chicken.
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Rice absorbs the flavors of the sauce and chicken broth, making it rich and savory.
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It’s adaptable (you can use thighs or breasts, add veggies) and satisfying.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Boneless, skinless chicken (thighs or breasts)
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Long‑grain white rice
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Chicken broth
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BBQ sauce (honey or smoky style)
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Honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
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Onion
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Garlic
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Olive oil (or cooking oil of choice)
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Smoked paprika
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Salt
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Black pepper
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(Optional) Vegetables such as mixed peas, corn, or bell peppers
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(Optional) Green onions or parsley, for garnish
Directions
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Cut the chicken into bite‑sized pieces; season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown on all sides (about 5–7 minutes). Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add chopped onion and sauté until translucent (2–3 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook another minute.
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Stir in the uncooked rice and toast it briefly (about a minute) so it picks up flavor.
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Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
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Return the seared chicken to the skillet, then stir in BBQ sauce (and honey, if using). Mix gently to combine.
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Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed (about 18–20 minutes).
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Once done, fluff the rice with a fork, let it rest off the heat for about 5 minutes, then garnish and serve.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 25 minutes
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Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
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Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness or chicken breasts if preferred.
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Add vegetables like bell pepper, peas, or corn in step 3 or 4 for added color and nutrition.
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Use brown rice, but increase the cooking time and liquid accordingly.
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Turn up the heat with a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
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Try different BBQ sauce flavors (honey, smoky, spicy) to change the taste profile.
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Garnish with fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro) or green onions to brighten it.
Storage/Reheating
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Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
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To reheat, add a splash of broth or water, and microwave or heat on stovetop covered until warmed through.
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For best texture, reheat gently over medium heat so the rice doesn’t dry out.
FAQs
What type of rice works best?
Long‑grain white rice is ideal because it cooks evenly and absorbs flavor well. You can use brown rice, but you’ll need more liquid and longer cooking time.
Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s better to use thawed chicken so it sears properly. If frozen, thaw first before cutting and cooking.
Do I need to uncover during cooking?
No, keep the pan covered while simmering so the rice can cook and absorb the liquid.
Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
Yes — substitute the chicken with a plant‑based protein (tofu, tempeh) and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Choose a vegan BBQ sauce.
Why is my rice undercooked or crunchy?
Likely there wasn’t enough liquid or the heat was too high. Add a bit more broth, cover, and let it cook longer over low heat.
Why is the bottom burning?
The heat might be too high, or you didn’t stir up the bits before covering. Reduce heat and make sure to scrape the bottom when adding broth.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can scale it, but ensure your pan is large enough and maintain the same ratio of liquid to rice.
Is it freezer‑friendly?
You can freeze portions once cooled. Reheat from frozen with gentle heat and added moisture. However, texture may change slightly.
Can I skip browning the chicken first?
You could, but you’ll lose flavor and texture. Browning adds depth and helps lock in juices.
What can I serve alongside this dish?
A fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread complement it well.
Conclusion
This One‑Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a simple yet flavorful meal that combines tender chicken, smoky sweet sauce, and well-seasoned rice—all cooked together effortlessly. With minimal cleanup, flexible variations, and satisfying results, it’s a go-to recipe for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
